At the state ceremony for the late former President of the German Bundestag, Rita Süssmuth, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) delivered a speech that highlighted her lifelong commitment to a humane society and her critical scrutiny of claims to knowledge and authority. He recalled how Süssmuth’s legacy reminds us to champion freedom and the self‑realisation of every individual.
Merz called Süssmuth an “exceptional politician” who shaped the image of the Federal Republic as its first female minister of education, a prominent education policy maker and the longest‑serving Bundestag president. He praised her unwavering advocacy for modern family policy and the reconciliation of work and family life, noting that she was far ahead of her time on many issues.
The chancellor remembered Süssmuth’s passion for European unity, citing her role in advancing German‑Polish reconciliation. He said that while her voice will be sorely missed, her political testament remains a promise to listen seriously to people’s concerns and to fight for fair and equitable educational institutions.
Süssmuth passed away on 1 February at the age of 88 in Neuss. The ceremony was attended by her family, representatives of all constitutional bodies, colleagues, and other distinguished guests. She served as a Bundestag member from 1987 until 2002, representing the Lower Saxon constituency of Göttingen. From 1988 to 1998 she presided over the parliament, and before that she held the portfolio of Minister for Youth, Family and Health from 1985 to 1988.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) described Süssmuth as “one of the most formative politicians and personalities in post‑war German history”. She credited Süssmuth with opening debates and demanding accountability on uncomfortable topics long before they gained mainstream acceptance.